Illini Tower evacuated for smoke

Published 04/24 2013 11:54AM

Updated 04/24 2013 05:33PM

Update: 11:54, 4/24/13, WednesdayCHAMPAIGN -- Damage is estimated at $5,000 for a fire which broke out at Illini Towers Tuesday afternoon. Crews responded to an automatic fire alarm just before 4:30 pm.

Investigators determined the fire started in a trash chute collection dumpster in the basement. It was moved outside so the fire could be extinguished. However, another small fire was found in a space between the chute's inner liner and outside chase wall because trash ignited from residual heat.

Multiple companies ventilated smoke from the 16-story building after the fires were completely extinguished. All residents had been evacuated and no one was hurt. Original: 5:22 pm, 4/23/13, TuesdayCHAMPAIGN -- Fire crews responded to Illini Tower in the 400-block of East Chalmers. There was smoke inside the building.

Everyone has been evacuated. Students say the fire started in a trash can. They were told it will be about an hour before they're let back in.

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